but a few…

How excellent are the people who have abandoned sweet dreams, withdrawing from that for which they erected their feet for. Standing up to fatigue themselves in the dark, seeking a portion of the blessing. When the night comes they stand up, and when the day arrives they derive lessons from it. When they look at their faults they seek forgiveness, and when they think about their sins they cry and feel dejected. O’ dwelling of the beloved, where are your inhabitants? O’ places of sincerity, where are your residents? O’ spot of the pious, where are your people? O’ places of nightly prayer, where are your visitors? I have, by Allaah, traveled around and found these people extinct. Those who used to stay awake at night have gone away and the lovers of sleep are left. These times have sought eating the lust to replace fasting.